Preparation and characterization of (CuInSe2)1−x(CoSe)x alloys in the composition range 0 ≤ x ≤ 2/3

• Published in: Physica status solidi. B. Basic research Vol. 241; no. 8; pp. 1795 - 1802
• Main Authors: Grima-Gallardo, P., Muñoz, M., Ruiz, J., Power, C., González, J., LeGodec, Y., Munsch, P., Itié, J. P., Briceño, V., Briceño, J. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin WILEY-VCH Verlag 01-07-2004; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley
• Subjects: 61.10.Nz; 61.66.Dk; 64.70.Kb; 68.37.Hk; 78.30.Er; 81.70.Pg; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Equations of state, phase equilibria, and phase transitions; Exact sciences and technology; Physics; Solid-solid transitions; Specific phase transitions; Scanning electron microscopy; Phase diagrams; Annealing; Inorganic compounds; Indium selenides; Phase transformations; Transition element compounds; Composition effect; Differential thermal analysis; XRD; Experimental study; Materials preparation; Copper selenides; Cobalt selenides; Chemical composition; Quaternary compounds; Melts
• ISSN: 0370-1972; 1521-3951
• DOI: 10.1002/pssb.200402016

Polycrystalline samples of (CuInSe2)1−x(CoSe)x alloys were prepared by the normal melt and anneal technique in the composition range 0 < x ≤ 2/3. The obtained ingots were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis techniques. A sample with x = 2/3 (prepared a posteriori) was also studied by the Raman shift technique. The results showed a complex behavior of the phase diagram. The phase (α) with chalcopyrite structure exists in a narrow interval 0 < x < 0.1 in the composition range; then, for 0.1 < x < 0.25, the ordered α phase gradually transforms into a disordered (α′) phase where the cation sites are multi‐occupied (Cu, Co and In) at random. For 0.25 < x < 0.35, two phases were observed, the α′ phase and another, not identified (γ) phase. Finally, for 0.35 < x < 2/3, another chalcopyrite‐like phase (α″) was observed together with traces of the γ phase. The sequence of phase transformations in the studied composition range seems to be α → α′ → α′ + γ → α″ + γ. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)